"The thing with Shula that has been different is probably holding everybody to a standard," Newton said.

More than one player noted that. But another key to Shula's success -- and maybe more significant -- has been giving players the freedom to voice an opinion and actually building the play-calling around those opinions.

"I love the way he listens to guys that are on the field," wide receiver Steve Smith said. "He will listen to in-the-game reports, and he'll ask directly [for input] at halftime and in the game. But the part that is phenomenal is when we go in the next series, he doesn't just listen to us and disregard us. He actually implements it and puts it in the game."

Best example: On fourth-and-1 from the Minnesota 2-yard line Shula changed the play to one Smith suggested. The result was a 2-yard touchdown pass from Newton to Smith.

"Some of our biggest plays this year have come by making adjustments in the game," Smith said.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I know there are huddlers who say until we play NE and the Saints and San Francisco, we have proven nothing but I disagree. Shula has built a real tightness in the offense making players feel important and valuing their input. He is making in game adjustments that are working and being creative and innovative while keeping the core of running the ball. I remember when one of the talking heads who knows offense said that he had never seen a tight end block and then go out for a screen pass like Olsen did. He praised Shula for being creative.

I don't know how things will play out but I do know that Shula is the type of offensive coordinator that players will fight for and give it their all. He does what few in the past have done, make effective in game adjustments. And his game plans are usually great as demonstrated by our leading at halftime in every game this year. Of course the defense helps with that as well. Best of all this isn't Fox's conservative play not to lose mentality. It is an aggressive approach to offense which he doesn't dial down once we get a 3 point lead.

Still Shula keep looking like a good hire. I am glad Rivera did what many of us felt he should have done which is give Shula a chance. So far it looks like the right thing to do.